who gets into the top programs?

[PsychoEm]

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So on paper, I should be a good candidate for most programs (3.8 GPA from top liberal arts school, 1450 GRE with verbal in the 99%, 1 published book chapter, 1 article under review as lead author in top journal, decent research experience, solid recs), but the admissions stats are so depressing. So what kind of applicant actually gets into the top programs? What distinguishes one candidate from the next? For example would Yale and their 1.4% acceptance rate laugh at my application?

 

[LM02]

Sounds like you'd be a top candidate. No, Yale would not laugh at your application. The key for you will be match. Find a research area you want to work in. Find a lab that does that research and has money. Apply to that school. Contact the professor in charge of the lab. Strike up a dialogue. Etc. . .

Agreed.

Assuming that you have a good research match with the program and are invited to interview, nail the interview. Don't underestimate the role of the interview in admissions. There have been several highly qualified individuals who have interviewed at my graduate program who were ultimately denied admission for either 1) being completely arrogant or 2) lacking strong interpersonal skills.

 

[twiggers]

I agree with the above posters. The real key is the "match" between you and the professor. Make sure the professor is researching something you're interested in and that they are accepting students. If you're applying this year, you should be contacting these professors ASAP.
The interview is very important....I think in some cases the professors mind is made up beforehand but just wants to assess your personality...so don't apply anywhere that you cannot afford to fly to for an interview 🙂

Finally....I think your stats are superb and you have very very little to worry about.

 

[joetro]

Just curious, but what area/with whom are you applying to work at Yale?

 

[PsychoEm]

thank you everyone for your helpful advice!